Selecting mechanism.



0. A. DANIELSON.

SELECTING MECHANISM.

APPucATmN. FILED on. 29, 1914.

1,21 5,91"? Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

OSCAR A. DANIELSON, OF NEW YORK, -N. Y., ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO WESTERN ELECTRIC COMPANY, INCORPORATED, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

' SELECTING MECHANISM.

Application filed October 29, 1914.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Oscar: A. DANIELSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at New York city, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Selecting Mechanisms, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description.

This invention relates to selecting or distributing mechanisms of an electromechanical type, and one of its principal objects is to provide sucha mechanism which, without employing revolving commutators or brushes, may be used both as a selective current impulse transmitter and receiver.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simple selecting mechanism wherein the functions of both the electrical and mechanical elements are performed with citiciency and reliability.

For the accomplishment of the above objects, the invention contemplates the use of an electrically-controlled device capable of executing a compound movement, acting cooperatively with switches so arranged that they may be successively actuated. Electrically-controlled means are also provided for returning the above mechanism to its normal position at the end of each-complete operation.

The above and other objects of this invention will be fully set forth in the following description and claims, and will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawing, in which is disclosed a specific embodiment particularly adapted for use in printing telegraphs; the circuit arrangement being shown diagrammatically, and parts of the mechanical elements being shown in perspective.

The sets of switches comprise a plurality of pairs of contact springs 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 separated by sultable 1nsulation and secured to any desired form of support. One spring of-each of the switches- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 13, 1917.

Serial No. 869,333.

be selectively controlled by means of any convenient apparatus, as, for example, se lccting keys arranged in the form of the ordinary typewriter keyboard or an automatic mechanism cont-rolled by a perforated tape or the like.

One contact spring of each of the switches 15 to 19 inclusive is connected to an armature S1 of a relay 32, while the other contact springs thereof are joined to selector electromagnets 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39, respectively. These selectors may be arranged to control the electrical and mechanical mechanism of any desired form of selecting apparatus.

The switches 5 to 9 inclusive and 15 to 19 inclusive are so arranged and cooperate with suitable mechanism in such a manner that they are successively actuated to produce or distribute the efi'ect of current impulses. The means for closing all of these switches comprises an electro-mechanical actuator. This actuator consists of member 44 provided with a plurality of pins 45, 46, 47, 48 and adapted under certain conditions, to be presently described, to close corresponding pairs of switches 515, 6-16, 717, S-18 and 919 respectively.

Actuator 44 is pivotally carried by a spring-tensioned armature 55 of an electromagnet 56, and the downward movement thereot'may be quickened or accelerated by the action of means, such for example as spring 64. The movement of the actuator 44 is directed upon the switches hereinbefore described, through the agency of movement-controlling mechanism comprising a step-like member adapted to slide freely through suitable openings or ways in a supporting frame 61.

A spring 62 secured to the frame 61 and the member 60, normally retains the memher, it electromagnet- 56 is energized, in such a position that a stop (33 carried thereby engages the frame 61 and always tends to force member 60 to take this position. Secured to actuator 44 is a downwardly extending pawl 65 adapted to engage the different steps of member 60. A stop and elevating lever 66, pivotally supported by a frame 67, also engages the steps of member 60 and cooperates with actuator 44, for a purpose and in a manner to be presently explained.

The sets of switches 5 to 9 inclusive and 15 to 19 inclusive are arranged so that only one pair, made up of one switch from each set, is in the same horizontal plane, each succeeding set being located lower than the one preceding by an amount sufficient to cause the corresponding pins 15 to 49 inelusive to engage the proper pair of switches as the pawl moves down the steps of mem ber 60. In other words, when pawl 65 rests on the upper step of member 60 as shown, only one set of pins can be active, viz., pins 15, which can engage switches 5 and 15. When pawl 65 is moved down one step, only pins 16 can engage their co5perating switches (6 and 16), while the remaining pins are either above or below their cooperating switches, and are consequently inactive. On the next lower step, switches 7 and 17 may be acted upon by pins 47, and so forth for the remaining pins and pairs of switches. If desired it is obvious that this arrangement of switches and actuator may be reversed by arranging the switches in the same plane and stepping the location of the pins on the actuator and that, by the proper use of springs, which may be employed in a similar manner to spring 64, the operation of the apparatus may be made independent of the force of gravity and consequently may be operated 1n any position.

The downward as well as the forward and backward movement of actuator H is controlled by electromagnet 56. When the electromagnet 56 is deenergized with the rest of the apparatus at normal, pins 15 engage and close switches 5 and 15, while pawl 65 rests on the upper step of member 60 as shown. Upon the energization of electromagnet 56, switches 5 and 15 are opened and, due to the withdrawal of pawl 65, member 60 is returned by spring 62 until the stop 63 engages the frame 61. Further movement of actuator 11 causes pawl 65 to drop off the upper step onto the next lower step. lVhen magnet 56 is again deenergized, the spring of its armature 55 retracts actuator 11, and since pawl 65 is on a lower step than before, pins 16 engage and close switches 6 and 16. After the first attraction of armature 55 upon each denergization of electromagnet 56, the spring of armature 55, in moving the actuator 4A forward to close the proper switches, also causes the pawl 65 to move member 60 backward against the force of its spring 62 until I lever 66 drops down one step. Thereafter upon the energization of electromagnet 56, the return movement of member 60, due to its spring 62, is arrested by the engagement of lever 66 and one of the steps. It will, therefore, be readily apparent that member 60 is moved step-by-step from its normal position upon each deenergization of electromagnet 56, and is held in its advanced position upon each energization thereof by lever 66 This change in movement continues for each energization and denergization of magnet 56. It is therefore readily apparent that the successive actuation of the switches is due to a plurality of zigzag movements of the actuator 44, which movements being analyzed are resolved into backward, downward and forward components.

In order to return the actuator 11 to normal at the end of each complete operation, restoring means are provided. These means comprise an electromagnet 70 provided with a spring-tensioned armature 71. Armature 71 has an extension 7 2 for cotjperating with the elevating lever 66. hen the free end of lever-'66 is elevated by the movement of extension 72, it engages a block 75 secured to actuator 44, whereupon the free end of the actuator is elevated, and consequently member 60, being freed from the influence of both pawl 65 and lever 66, is returned to its normal position by spring 62.

The energization of electromagnet 56 is controlled by relay 32 through its grounded armature 80, or a relay 81 through its grounded armature 82. These relays are polarized and are normally connected directly to the main transmission line L through a fixed contact 83 and a movable contact 84 of line switch 21. This switch, however, may be so operated that contacts 20 and 84 are in engagement, whereupon relays 32 and 81 are removed from direct connection with the line L, into connection thereto only through a resistance 90. Under this latter condition one spring of each of switches 5 to 9 inclusive is joined to line L, in parallel with resistance 90 and relays 32 and 81. Preferably the mechanism for controlling the pole changers 25 to 29 inclusive should be arranged to shift contact 84 from contact 83 to contact 20 at the time of the selective actuation of the pole changers and resistance 90 should be so proportioned that its resistance plus that of the parallel connected relays 32 and 81 is equal to the resistance of line L plus the apparatus therein at the distant station.

The front Contact of armature 31 is oined to a grounded source of energy 92, and the front contacts of armatures of relay 32 and 82 of relay 81 are connected to electro magnet 56, to which is also joined a grounded source of energy 93 and a restoring circuit to be now described.

In order to return the apparatus at the end of a succession of impulses, pins 19 of actuator 44, besides closing switches 9 and 19, also close a switch 100. One contact spring of this switch is grounded, while the other is connected to a grounded source of energy 101 through the winding and mo"- able contact 102 of a restoring relay 103. Relay 103 is provided with a pair of armatures 104 and 105. Armature 105 is connected to the back contact of armature 110 of a clear-out relay 111, which relay has a second armature 112 connected to a clearout switch 113. The coil of relay 111 is connected to a grounded source of energy 114 and a contact 115 forming part of a circuit closer 116 on the armature 71 of electromagnet 70. The front contact of armature 105 is connected through electromagnets 70 and 56 in series to the grounded source of energy 93.

In describing the operation of this selecting mechanism, let it be assumed that relay 32 is polarized so as to be actuated only on positive impulses, while relay 81 is polarized to be actuated only on negative impulses, and let it be further assumed that the apparatus is to be manipulated to transmit a succession of impulses over the transmission line L and simultaneously selectively infiuence the local selectors to 39 inclusive. The manipulation of the apparatus for controlling the pole changers selectively transfers certain of-the movable parts of these members from the right to the left-hand contact, and at the same time separates contacts 83 and 84 and causes the engagement of contacts 20 and 84. Provided pole changer 25 has been selectively actuated, current from the positive pole of the source of energy 30 will thereupon flow through pole changer 25, switch 5, contacts 20 and 84 and then in parallel through line L and resistance 90 and through polarized relays 32 and 81, to ground. The current sent to line L may control mechanism at a distant receiving station while that through the polarized relays controls the local selectors. This current being positive will energize only relay 32, causing it to attract its armatures 31 and 80. The ope 'ation of armature 31 causes the grounded source of energy 92 to be joined to the selector 35, through switch 15, while armature 80 causes a circuit to be formed from grounded source of energy 93, electromagnet 56, armature 80, to ground. Electromagnet 56 thereupon attracts its armature and actuator 44, which causes the opening of both switches 5 and 15. The movement of actuator 44 likewise causes its pawl 65 to move down to the next lower step of member 60. The energization of selector 35 causes it to perform its function whatever it may be.

The opening of switch 5 interrupts the flow of current from grounded source of energy 30 through the line L and relay 32 producing the cessation of the first impulse. Thereupon the de'c'nergization of relay 32 allows the retraction of its armatures 31 and S0, removing therefrom the connection with the source of energy 92 and opening the circuit of electromagnet 56, respectively. Upon the deenergization of electromagnet 56, the spring of armature retracts actuator 44, whose free end, as previously pointed out has been lowered by the action of pawl moving to the next lower step of member 60, is in such a position that its pins 46 close switches 6 and 16. The apparatus is now in a position to initiate the second impulse.

In case the position of pole changer 26 has been altered, the positive pole of the source of energy 30 will be again connected to line L and relays 32 and 81. As before relay 32 alone will respond, effecting the energization of selector 36 and electromagnet 56. Electromagnet 56 will cause the opening of switches 6 and 16 to form the cessation of the second impulse, whereupon the electromagnet will be deenergized, and since, as in the first instance, actuator 44 has moved down one step, the forward movement of this actuator will close switches 7 and 17 to initiate the third impulse. This series of movements will continue until the deenergization of electromagnet 56 results in the closing of switches 9, 19 and 100. In cases where the condition of the pole changers 25 to 29 inclusive have been altered so as to connect the positive pole of the source of energy 30 to the line L and relays 32 and 81, the corresponding selectors 35 to 39 inclusive will be operated in addition to the energization of electromagnet 56 as just explained. If, however, the condition of a pole changer has not been altered, relay 81 alone will be energized, resulting in the operation of electromagnet 56 only.

Upon the closing of switch 100 a circuit is formed therefrom through movable contact 102 and relay 103 to the grounded source of energy 101. Relay 103 thereupon pulls up its armatures 104 and 105. Armature 104 closes a holding circuit for relay 103 "from the grounded source of energy 101, relay 103, contact 102. armature 104, armature 110 of clearing-out relay 111, to ground, which makes the restoring of the apparatus positive and independent of the length of time during which the switch 100 remains closed. The attraction of armature 105 completes a circuit from ground at armature 110 ofclearin'g-out relay 111, armature 105, electromagnets and 56 to grounded source of energy 93. Both electromagnets 56 and 70 attract their respective armatures 55 and 71, effecting the cessation of the final impulse by opening switch 9 and the return of actuator 44 and member 60. Armature 71 also closes contacts 115 and 116 which energizes clear-out relav 111, whereupon the attraction of armature 110 opens the circuit for electromagnets 56 and 70. The deenergization of these electromagnets causes the restoration of actuator 44 to its normal position with pawl 65 resting on the upper step of member 60 and pins 45 closing switches 5 and 15. The attraction of armature 112 completes a holding circuit for clear-out relay '111 from grounded source of energy 114 which insures the clearing out ofthe restoring circuit. This holding circuitis opened" by clearout switch 113 which may be actuated manually 'or automatically as ing said means, and movement controlling mechanism cooperating with said electromagnet to cause said means to execute a plurality of zigzag movements, whereby said switches are successively actuated.

2. A selecting mechanism comprising a pluralityof switches, means for operating said switches, an electromagnet controlled by said switches for actuating said means, and' movement controlling mechanism for cooperating with said electromagnet to cause said means to execute a plurality. of zig: zag, movements to successively'operate said switches.

3. A selecting mechanism comprising a plurality of switches, means for operating said switches, electromagnetically actuated apparatus controlled by said switches for actuating said means, movement controlling mechanism for cooperating with said apparatus to cause said means to execute a plurality of reciprocatory movements to successively operate said switches, and a device for restoring said mechanism and said means.

4. A selecting vmechanism comprising a plurality of switches, a reciprocating actuator for operating said switches, a stepped member for directing the reciprocatory operation of said actuator to successively actuate said switches, and means controlling said actuator, whereby said switches are successively operated.

5. A selecting mechanism comprising a plurality of switches, a pivoted reciprocating actuator therefor, a stepped member for directing the movement of said actuator,

an electromagnet for operating said actuator, a restoring leverforcontrolling the restoration of said member and actuator, an electromagnet for said lever, and means controlling said electromagnets after a succession of operations of said actuator.

6. A distributing mechanism comprising a plurality of sets of circuit contacts, means for closing said sets of contacts, controlling mechanism for causing said means to execute a plurality of zig-zag' movements to successively close different said sets of contacts, electromagnetically actuated apparatus for actuating said mechanism to control said means, and an electromagnet for restoring the'normal condition of said mechanism and said means.

7. A distributing mechanism adapted for use as a current impulse transmitter and receiver, consisting of a plurality of sets of switches, a set of power circuits, means adapted to selectively connect said switches of one of the sets to said circuits, selectors cooperating with said switches of another of the sets, means for closing said switches in pairs, one of a pair being associated with said circuits and the other with said selectors, an electromagnet therefor, a movement controlling device for causing the successive operation of'the pairs of said switches, and means for actuating both of said electromagnets upon the actuation of the last pair of switches whereby the apparatus is restored to normal.

8. A selecting system comprising current control means, a plurality of switches associated therewith, an electromechanical structure for simultaneously operating said switches and causing a step-by-step movement thereof to form a succession of current impulses of predetermined number, and selecting apparatus controlled by the impulses produced.

9. A selecting apparatus comprising current control means. a plurality of circuit contacts associated therewith, means cooperating with said contacts to complete circuits for said control means, and an electromechanical device for simultaneously actuating'said means and causing a step-by-step movement of said contacts to form a succession of' current impulses of unvaried number.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 28th day of'October, A. D.

OSCAR A. DANIELSON. Witnesses:

Aiyros E. DIXON, ELLA EDLER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, I). O. 

